Mold, a nasty fungus, can be found in highly maintained homes. It has been seen that mold finds a hidden place even in the most tidy homes. The parts of the home with high moisture content are most likely places for mold to grow. It starts with a minor infestation and grows with time. Ignoring the mold infestation can cause serious health risks.

Signs of Hidden Mold in The Home

Different signs detect the presence of hidden mold in a home. These signs are mentioned below:

Musty Odor

Mold is a fungus, and its first sign is a musty odor. Before being visible, it can be detected by its smell. 

Stains on Walls

The leakage signs on your walls indicate that the environment is ideal for mold to grow. Mold is most likely to grow in humid places with high moisture content.

Visible Mold

Along with a strange smell in the house, mold can be seen growing in the corners and hidden places. It can be slightly green or fuzzy.

Allergies Acting Up 

The presence of mold can trigger your allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, when the spores are inhaled, it can cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and other pulmonary problems.

How Mold Enters a House?

Mold spores can enter your home with air, with fur of your pet, or dust on your shoes. But it grows only in those areas where moisture is present or at the spots where pipes have leakages. Entry of mold in your house can’t be controlled, but the moisture and leakage, as well as its growth, can be dealt with.

7 Places Where Mold Can Hide Inside Your Home

Mold can usually be seen growing in walls and roofs, but its growth remains hidden in some hidden places in a home unless an inspector detects its presence. 

  • In the Attics 

Mold Spores can be hidden in attics, which have poor ventilation and are not properly lit spaces. Even though the attic is the least visited and cleaned area of a home, roof leaks and heavy rainfalls can increase the moisture content in the attic, making it favorable for mold to grow. Mold growth in attics remains unnoticed for a long time.

  • In the Basement

Basements have similar maintenance routines to the attic. They are often used for storage purposes and become the least visited part of a home. A poor drainage system, causing leakage around the foundation, increases the moisture content in the basement, which causes mold to grow rapidly.

  • In the Kitchen and the Bathroom

The kitchen and the bathroom both provide favorable conditions for mold to grow. The favorite spot for mold to grow secretly in the kitchen is beneath the dishwasher. Similarly, in the bathroom mold can grow rapidly under the sink, in the tile grout, or on the backside of the toilet.

  • In HVAC Units

The air conditioners have moisture, which makes them suitable for mold growth. The ducts and vents linked to the HVAC system can spread the spores all over the home. They need to be checked and cleaned regularly.

  • Behind Walls

Leaks behind walls can affect a building terribly. This leakage also provides a breeding ground for the mold. Visibility of mold on walls indicates that the spot has a leakage or seepage of water.

  • Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are not usually checked. Due to poor insulation of pipes, the moisture content is usually higher in the crawl spaces. We can say that the crawl spaces are the favorite hidden spot for mold.

  • In the Chimney

When left unused for some time, the chimney becomes the optimal location for mold to grow. Spores can easily get in and find their place on the rough walls.

In addition to these areas, any spot not visible like a wall behind furniture or the floor underneath things can be the spot for mold to hide in your house.

How to Prevent Mold Growth?

Mold growth can be prevented by controlling the moisture content in the home. Each part of your home should be clean and dry. Controlling the factors that support the growth of mold in a house can be a better way to prevent its growth, such factors are:

Improving Ventilation

Good ventilation can help to remove the moisture content in the areas having high humidity. It can help reduce the chances of mold growth.

Controlling Temperature

The cold air has comparatively less moisture than the warm air. The warm humid air contains moisture that can be turned into water and make it a favorable environment for mold growth. Thus, controlling temperature can help prevent mold growth. 

Controlling Humidity

Using a dehumidifier in the house can help to control humidity, reducing chances for mold growth. 

Conclusion

Mold can grow anywhere in your home where it finds moisture. Mold in hidden spots remains unnoticed unless the odor in the home becomes unbearable. It is better to get frequent mold inspections and deal with mold growth at its initial stages. This can save the residents from health risks and help keep the building in good condition.

To check the mold growth at the hidden spots of your home, you can contact us for an inspection and improve the quality of life.